Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens is one of 77 projects whose future is looking much brighter thanks to £3 million government funding, Communities Minister Brandon Lewis said today (11 December 2015).

Mr Lewis said the coastal revival funding will help secure these key seaside attractions “for generations to come”.

Ranging from theatres to piers and lidos to lighthouses, the projects will each receive grants of up to £50,000 to kick-start restoration work.

They are also set to attract £30 million in private and public investment and could support up to 1,500 jobs.

Prime Minister David Cameron said:

Britain’s coastline is part of what makes us one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Our coastal towns are cherished not just by the people who live within them but by the nation as a whole. The value of our tourism industry also means they are playing a crucial role in the UK’s continuing economic recovery.

That’s why I am proud to lead a government which is absolutely committed to supporting and reviving our coastal communities.

With a total £3 million pledged for coastal projects today, it is clear we have an optimistic and ambitious approach to Britain’s seaside towns. We are providing a catalyst for further investment and securing treasured community assets for generations to come.

Communities Minister Brandon Lewis said:

From Berwick to St Ives, our coastal communities boast some iconic attractions, with millions visiting them each year.

But some of our best-loved buildings are falling into a state of disrepair - the £3 million Coastal Revival Fund aims to restore them to their former glory.

This funding will now kick-start the restoration work for these 77 projects across the country, so they can continue to be enjoyed by local people and tourists alike for generations to come.

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England said:

Many of the projects which will be funded through the Coastal Revival Fund will help to conserve our special coastal heritage. The historic buildings and places around our shores tell the story of our nation, from fishing ports and defensive structures to pleasure beaches and parks.

Several of the sites are on our Heritage at Risk Register and require urgent action before they are lost. This government funding will help a variety of community groups who look after these wonderful places to take important steps to revive them and ensure they play a continuing role in seaside economies.

Driving regeneration in seaside towns

The government is committed to reviving our seaside towns, so they can diversify their economy, attract investment and secure their long-term future.

Since 2012, over £120 million has been invested in coastal towns through the Coastal Communities Fund, which is helping local people regenerate cherished seaside areas.

Earlier this year, the government announced 118 Coastal Community Teams, to encourage local businesses, councils and voluntary groups to work together to create a long-term strategy for their community.

Today’s £3 million Coastal Revival Fund forms part of these wider efforts, and will help communities to start the work to bring back into use buildings which have suffered years of disrepair.

Projects set to benefit from the funding include:

restoring the walls of the Pavilion Theatre, Blackpool within the Grade II* Winter Gardens building

The Budget announced that the Coastal Communities Fund will be extended for another 5 years from 2017 to 2018, with pot of at least £90 million, giving communities another chance to bid for funding.

Due to the exceptional quality of the bids received, another £1 million coastal revival funding will be available in 2016 to 2017 for projects that narrowly missed out being selected. Further details will be announced in due course.